Welcome back to 31 Days to Building a Cleaning Routine!

Day 13: How to Clean with Vinegar

I have written down MANY cleaner recipes I want to try this month, and vinegar is a very common ingredient. Not only is the shelf life of vinegar almost indefinite, but because of its acid nature it is self preserving.

Vinegar is a natural organic bi-product of fruits, vegetables and grains. It is therefore edible and biodegradable.  Vinegar is safe for the environment.

It is an ALL-IN-ONE Cleaner, so you don’t need to buy cleaners for different purposes; plus it is inexpensive!!

No need to wear rubber gloves – vinegar is gentle on hands.

Vinegar cleans streak free and there is no need to rinse afterward!

Safe for children – it is non-toxic!

Vinegar does have a distinct odor, but the smell dissipates quickly.

It is effective against a broad range of bacteria, reducing and slowing its growth.

You can check out the link above, or read the uses I’ve listed:

In the Kitchen

• Use the general purpose cleaner given above for wiping down everything: appliances, tables, cupboards, and counters. (If you want, try out the 1:1 ratio of vinegar and dish soap in a spray bottle.)

• Use it full strength on countertops and cutting boards – it will completely remove any odors that may be lurking there. Just wipe afterwards with a damp cleaning cloth.

• Run the dishwasher with vinegar to clean it.

• Run a vinegar and water mix through the coffee maker to clean it.

• Clean and deodorize microwave.

• Clean and polish chrome and stainless steel.

• Clean and freshen the smell of the refrigerator.

In the Laundry Room

• Use 1 cup of vinegar for the rinse cycle of your washing machine. Clothes to come out cleaner, fresher smelling and softer.

• Try this homemade fabric softener recipe (I haven’t used it yet).

• Erase crayon marks from clothes.

• Soak out blood stains.

In the Bathroom

• Use to clean the toilet.

• Cut back on hard water stains (if you regularly use vinegar to wipe down your faucets, showers, and tile.

• Clean your drains with vinegar and baking soda.

• Wipe away mildew.

• Remove mineral deposits from shower heads.

• Clean your toothbrushes.

In the Home

• Clean windows (I will show you how next week).

• Daily dusting using half vinegar and half water in a spray bottle.

• Use as a glass cleaner.

• Clean dirt off your computer and mouse with a little vinegar and a Q-tip.

There are many, many other uses for vinegar. Just start googling!!

See you tomorrow!

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